Foot and Mouth Disease Detected in North West Province

An outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) has hit livestock farms in the North West province, prompting emergency containment measures, quarantine orders, and a national industry-wide response to stop the spread of the highly contagious animal virus.

The provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development confirmed that two separate incidents of FMD were detected in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, within the JB Marks Local Municipality.

One of the outbreaks was flagged by a private veterinarian who observed suspicious symptoms during a routine farm visit.

Samples tested at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute confirmed the presence of the virus.

In a second case, the disease was picked up at an abattoir in Madibeng. While the animals showed no symptoms during the ante-mortem inspection, FMD lesions were discovered on the slaughter line.

Tissue samples confirmed the presence of both SAT 2 and SAT 3 serotypes of the virus.

The remaining animals, which had not yet been slaughtered, were returned to their farm of origin in Ventersdorp under a Red Cross permit.

Both the Ventersdorp feedlot and the farm linked to the first incident have been placed under strict quarantine, with no animal movements allowed in or out.

The Department has also begun tracing farms linked to the ongoing outbreak in Gauteng.

These farms are being sampled and placed under precautionary quarantine while laboratory tests are pending.

Authorities have stressed that the cooperation of all livestock owners is critical to containing the spread of the disease.

FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and various wildlife species.

The virus spreads rapidly through contact with infected animals, contaminated equipment, or people moving between farms.

Common clinical signs include fever, lameness, and painful sores in the mouth, on the feet, and around the teats.

Although FMD rarely causes death in adult animals, it can result in severe production losses and trade restrictions.

Farmers and veterinarians have been urged to remain on high alert and report any suspected cases to their local State Veterinary Services immediately.

The Department has also reminded the public and the agricultural sector that movement of animals without permits from affected areas is prohibited.

In response to the outbreak, Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) has activated its Operational Centre and commenced the first phase of its national response plan.

A dedicated FMD Working Group, consisting of leading veterinarians, researchers, and industry experts, has been formally appointed to coordinate disease containment, guide vaccination campaigns, and support long-term biosecurity improvements in the red meat sector.

The strategic response plan, independently drafted by Professor Dietmar Holm from the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Science, outlines structured, time-bound actions to reduce the spread of the virus, limit disruptions to trade, and protect the integrity of South Africa’s red meat value chain.

According to RMIS, the plan includes increased surveillance, clear communication with stakeholders, and the development of sustainable practices to minimise the risk of future outbreaks.

As the response progresses, RMIS will issue regular updates on developments and further containment efforts.

The confirmation of new cases comes as a setback to the industry, which continues to recover from the extensive outbreaks reported in 2022. During that year, South Africa recorded over 150 FMD outbreaks, resulting in widespread restrictions on animal movements and bans on exports by several international markets. Industry bodies have warned that another major outbreak could deal a heavy blow to market access and investor confidence.

Authorities are calling on producers, abattoirs, transporters, and the broader livestock value chain to prioritise biosecurity.

This includes disinfecting vehicles and equipment, restricting access to farms, and reporting clinical signs early. Strict adherence to quarantine measures is essential to avoid further spread.

For further information in the North West, the public is encouraged to contact Dr Langa Madyibi, Director of Veterinary Services, at 066 190 9190. For national updates or media queries, contact Sara-Lea van Eeden at 083 446 6109 or sara-lea@s-ellepr.com.

mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za 

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